As bitter as it sounds, 2023 and 2024 were prime years for Libyan rap. The country's political instability, economic hardship, ongoing conflicts, corruption, the devastating flood in the city of Derna and no real hope for a joint government, have been delivered plenty of material for new songs.

Libyan rap has also been quick to flourish as authorities were fairly easy going. Last August, the Eastern administration under General Khalifa Hiftar gave their okay for the first Benghazi Sommer Festival in 15 years. For the Benghazi-born rapper MC Mansour Unknown, it was the first opportunity ever to perform on stage in his hometown.

Since then, pop up concerts and other rap events have been attracting ever larger audiences. Last week, MC Mansour Unknown performed together with the Libyan rap star KA7LA in the city of Derna at a sold-out concert.

Yet, it seems that this could have been the last time. This week, first the Eastern, and then the Western authorities clamped down on the popular music genre. "The spread of rap songs, some of which contain obscene words, violate the moral values of the Libyan Muslim society," a statement by the Eastern administration said.

From now on, rap musicians in the East have to obtain permission from the Benghazi-based Ministry of Interior, whereas artists in the West have to get this from the Tripolis-based Ministry of Culture. Both entities review if the content of the songs encourages crime, sex work, suicide or rebellions against the family or society. Without such a permission, performances will be strictly forbidden across the country.

The same........

© Deutsche Welle